Alf Pike is one of those rare major leaguers who played out his entire career with one organization, the New York Rangers.

After winning the Memorial Cup with the Winnipeg Monarchs in 1936-37, Pike moved up into the Rangers' organization to skate for the New York Rovers. As the team's captain, he led his teammates to an Eastern Amateur Hockey League championship in 1938-39.

Shortly thereafter, Rangers coach Frank Boucher got a hunch that young Pike was the piece he needed to round out his lineup. But Pike, a stubborn type, insisted on $500 more from the club's GM Lester Patrick before he'd sign. Patrick refused to concede and so did Pike, at least until Boucher whispered in his ear that he'd personally make up the shortfall. Pike relented and Patrick grew suspicious as to why his new recruit had become so pliable. When he learned of Boucher's offer, he chewed his coach out for being too soft and then game Pike his money.

The rookie joined the Rangers' lineup and proved to be a key member of their Stanley Cup winning drive of 1939-40. Pike remained with the Rangers until he enlisted in the military from 1943 to 1945. He then returned for two seasons on Broadway before rounding out his on-ice career with the Winnipeg Nationals in 1948.

From there, Pike took over as coach of the Rangers Junior A farm club, the Guelph Biltmore Madhatters of the OHA. His lineup was replete with talent as the club won the Memorial Cup in 1952. Some of Pike's charges included future NHLers Andy Bathgate, Harry Howell, Lou Fontinato, Ron Murphy, and Aldo Guidolin.

After coaching the Winnipeg Warriors of the WHL from 1954 to 1959, Pike returned to the NHL as coach of the New York Rangers until 1961. He then coached a variety of minor-league clubs in Calgary, Los Angeles, and Phoenix before retiring in 1970.